Struggling to plan a walking football session? Not sure how much is too much — or what order to do things in?
This week on the Coaching Walking Football podcast, we break it all down in a simple, no-nonsense chat based on Chapters 4–6 of the book "Coaching Walking Football" by Chris King.
We cover:
🧠 A session structure that works every time
⏱️ Why short, varied activities keep energy high
📋 How to adapt session plans to suit your group
✅ Tips to run training that’s smooth, simple, and fun
Whether you're coaching your first session or looking for fresh ideas, this one gives you plenty to work with.
📚 Enjoying the podcast? You can dive deeper with my two Walking Football books, available on Amazon:
Complete Guide To Coaching Walking Football: https://mybook.to/walkingfootballbook
Coaching Walking Football Volume 1: https://amzn.to/3uLC4J3
#WalkingFootball #CoachingMadeEasy #Over50sFootball #WalkingFootballPodcast #ChrisKingBooks
This episode of Coaching Walking Football – Drills, Tactics & Tips with Chris King covers the next four complete training sessions from the book "Coaching Walking Football".
Each session includes a warm-up, technical focus, small-sided game, and cool-down. Whether you're working on movement, passing or team shape, this chapter gives you a done-for-you structure to follow or adapt.
📚 Enjoying the podcast? You can dive deeper with my two Walking Football books, available on Amazon:
Complete Guide To Coaching Walking Football: https://mybook.to/walkingfootballbook
Coaching Walking Football Volume 1: https://amzn.to/3uLC4J3
📚 Enjoying the podcast? You can dive deeper with my two Walking Football books, available on Amazon:
Complete Guide To Coaching Walking Football: https://mybook.to/walkingfootballbook
Coaching Walking Football Volume 1: https://amzn.to/3uLC4J3
In this episode of Coaching Walking Football b Chris King, we take a big-picture look at what makes great walking football coaching — covering the key ideas from Chapters 1, 2, and 3 of the book.
We chat about why creativity still matters in a slower-paced game, how to think about player development (even at older ages), and what you really need to get started as a coach — gear, mindset, and simple structures that work.
If you’re new to walking football or looking to refresh your approach, this episode gives you a solid foundation to build from.
📚 Enjoying the podcast? You can dive deeper with my two Walking Football books, available on Amazon:
Complete Guide To Coaching Walking Football: https://mybook.to/walkingfootballbook
Coaching Walking Football Volume 1: https://amzn.to/3uLC4J3
Need session ideas you can run without stress?
This episode of Coaching Walking Football – Drills, Tactics & Tips with Chris King covers the first four of eight complete training sessions for coaches at all levels from the book "Coaching Walking Football".
Each session includes a warm-up, technical focus, small-sided game, and cool-down. Whether you're working on shooting, passing or team shape, this chapter gives you a done-for-you structure to follow or adapt.
📚 Enjoying the podcast? You can dive deeper with my two Walking Football books, available on Amazon:
Complete Guide To Coaching Walking Football: https://mybook.to/walkingfootballbook
Coaching Walking Football Volume 1: https://amzn.to/3uLC4J3
In this episode of Coaching Walking Football, we sit down for an easygoing chat about how to get started with coaching walking football.
From adapting sessions to suit different fitness levels, to building confidence in your players, we explore simple, effective tips that can help anyone running a session — whether you’re new to it or just looking to improve.
It’s practical, relaxed, and full of insight — ideal for anyone curious about this fast-growing version of the game.
📚 Enjoying the podcast? You can dive deeper with my two Walking Football books, available on Amazon:
Complete Guide To Coaching Walking Football: https://mybook.to/walkingfootballbook
Coaching Walking Football Volume 1: https://amzn.to/3uLC4J3
In this episode of Coaching Walking Football – Drills, Tactics & Tips with Chris King, we explore Part 2 of session planning from his book "Coaching Walking Football"— with real-world examples you can use straight away.
You’ll get a ready-to-use structure for your training, plus warm-up routines, skill drills, and small-sided games that link together naturally.
Whether you’re coaching 5 players or 15, this episode will help you build smoother, more engaging sessions that players enjoy and learn from.
📚 Enjoying the podcast? You can dive deeper with my two Walking Football books, available on Amazon:
Complete Guide To Coaching Walking Football: https://mybook.to/walkingfootballbook
Coaching Walking Football Volume 1: https://amzn.to/3uLC4J3
📚 Enjoying the podcast? You can dive deeper with my two Walking Football books, available on Amazon:
Complete Guide To Coaching Walking Football: https://mybook.to/walkingfootballbook
Coaching Walking Football Volume 1: https://amzn.to/3uLC4J3
In this episode of Coaching Walking Football – Drills, Tactics & Tips with Chris King, we tackle one of the biggest questions new coaches face: how do you actually plan a training session that flows, engages players, and gets results?
Based on Chapter 4 of the book, you’ll learn how to structure your session from start to finish, avoid common mistakes, and strike the right balance between drills and match play.
Whether you’ve got six players or sixteen, this one’s packed with simple, adaptable advice you can use straight away.
📚 Enjoying the podcast? You can dive deeper with my two Walking Football books, available on Amazon:
Complete Guide To Coaching Walking Football: https://mybook.to/walkingfootballbook
Coaching Walking Football Volume 1: https://amzn.to/3uLC4J3
In this episode of Coaching Walking Football – Drills, Tactics & Tips with Chris King, we dive into Chapter 3 of the book ("Coaching Walking Football"- Chris King)— all about warm-ups.
Discover easy, low-impact warm-up ideas designed specifically for walking football players of all ages and fitness levels.
You’ll learn how to prepare your team safely, reduce injury risk, and bring energy and focus into every session — without overcomplicating things.
Whether you're coaching older beginners or seasoned players, these tips will help you build routines players enjoy and benefit from.
🎯 Listen in. Take notes. Get inspired.
📚 Enjoying the podcast? You can dive deeper with my two Walking Football books, available on Amazon:
Complete Guide To Coaching Walking Football: https://mybook.to/walkingfootballbook
Coaching Walking Football Volume 1: https://amzn.to/3uLC4J3
New to coaching Walking Football?
This episode kicks off a brand new series where author and coach Chris King walks you through each chapter of his book Coaching Walking Football.
Today we’re diving into Chapter 2 – “Getting Started as a Walking Football Coach” – covering how to ease into coaching, run simple sessions, and build player confidence from day one.
Whether you're a first-timer or getting back into the game, you’ll find practical tips to hit the ground walking.
🎧 Grab your whistle — let’s get into it.
📚 Enjoying the podcast? You can dive deeper with my two Walking Football books, available on Amazon:
Complete Guide To Coaching Walking Football: https://mybook.to/walkingfootballbook
Coaching Walking Football Volume 1: https://amzn.to/3uLC4J3
WALKING FOOTBALL DRILL - "WALL BALL" | 2 PLAYERS | Soccer/Football Coaching | Focus On: Passing
📚 Enjoying the podcast? You can dive deeper with my two Walking Football books, available on Amazon:
Complete Guide To Coaching Walking Football: https://mybook.to/walkingfootballbook
Coaching Walking Football Volume 1: https://amzn.to/3uLC4J3
Players take it in turns passing/kicking the ball into the wall. It can either be played along the ground or slightly in the air. It is similar to the racquet game Squash.
The players’ aim is to make the ball rebound off the wall, then land or pass through the marked square and go outside the square before the opponent can control it. If it leaves the area before the opposition player can control it the player who kicked it receives one point.
Play the first to 5 points and play 3 sets. Who is the best wall baller in the team?!
Depending on skill levels, play as many touches as you want. If they are skillful players you may only allow them to have one touch (ie play the ball first time). If they are beginners they can have three touches (ie one touch to control the ball, the second to put the ball where they want and the third to make the pass/kick.
𝗩𝗔𝗥𝗜𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦⚽ Change the number of touches. Less touches for more skilled players. Unlimited touches for novices.⚽Play it so the ball is in the air and the opponent must play the ball before a certain number of bounces (like tennis). For example, kick the ball against the wall (Wall Ball) or into the opponent's half (Box Ball) and if the ball bounces more than once or twice the ball is dead and the player that kicked it gets a point.⚽Play doubles! (ie with partners 2v2)
📚 Enjoying the podcast? You can dive deeper with my two Walking Football books, available on Amazon:
Complete Guide To Coaching Walking Football: https://mybook.to/walkingfootballbook
Coaching Walking Football Volume 1: https://amzn.to/3uLC4J3
Website: www.chriskingsoccercoach.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/chriskingsoccercoach
#walkingfootball #womenswalkingfootball #walkingsoccer #allabilities #southendfc #essex #fastestgrowingsport #relivingyouryouth #weplayfootball #thewfa #womenswfc #wwf
WALKING FOOTBALL DRILL - "BOX BALL" | 2 PLAYERS | Soccer/Football Coaching | Focus On: Passing
📚 Enjoying the podcast? You can dive deeper with my two Walking Football books, available on Amazon:
Complete Guide To Coaching Walking Football: https://mybook.to/walkingfootballbook
Coaching Walking Football Volume 1: https://amzn.to/3uLC4J3
𝗦𝗘𝗧𝗨𝗣BOX BALL:
Simply mark out a large rectangle and divide it in half. It is similar to tennis.
Instead of in Wall Ball where the players aim is to rebound it off the wall, players simply aim to pass the ball, landing it in the opponent's half and they win the point if the ball goes out of the opponents half before they can control it (or before a set number of bounces if you are playing it in the air).
𝗩𝗔𝗥𝗜𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦⚽ As mentioned in Wall Ball, change the number of touches. Less touches for more skilled players. Unlimited touches for novices.⚽Play it so the ball is in the air and the opponent must play the ball before a certain number of bounces (like tennis). For example, kick the ball against the wall (Wall Ball) or into the opponent's half (Box Ball) and if the ball bounces more than once or twice the ball is dead and the player that kicked it gets a point.⚽Play doubles! (ie with partners 2v2).
📚 Enjoying the podcast? You can dive deeper with my two Walking Football books, available on Amazon:
Complete Guide To Coaching Walking Football: https://mybook.to/walkingfootballbook
Coaching Walking Football Volume 1: https://amzn.to/3uLC4J3
#walkingfootball #womenswalkingfootball #walkingsoccer #allabilities #southendfc #essex #fastestgrowingsport #relivingyouryouth #weplayfootball #thewfa #womenswfc #wwf
WALKING FOOTBALL DRILL - "ATTACKING & DEFENSIVE DUTIES" | 4 TO 12 PLAYERS | Soccer/Football Coaching |
📚 Enjoying the podcast? You can dive deeper with my two Walking Football books, available on Amazon:
Complete Guide To Coaching Walking Football: https://mybook.to/walkingfootballbook
Coaching Walking Football Volume 1: https://amzn.to/3uLC4J3
𝗦𝗘𝗧𝗨𝗣
PLAYERS: 6 to 14 players
Set up a game and pair the players up with a player from the opposite team. They are now responsible for ‘man marking’ this player. This simply means if their player gets the ball they are responsible to try and stop them from passing/shooting/dribbling.
This drill helps improve both defensive and attacking skills and reading of the play. Plus transitioning from defence to attack and attack to defence.
One second your team may have the ball so you should spread out and look to attack or receive the ball. But then if your team loses possession you must find your player and work on your defensive duties.
Things to work on when defending are: Positioning yourself close to the player so you can intercept a pass or stop them from passing; position yourself between the opposition player and your goal (this way there is no easy way towards goal for them); reading where the pass is likely to come from (is there a free opposition player that is likely to get the ball?) and trying to intercept the pass.
Things to work on when attacking are: Can you ‘lose’ your defender? This may mean that you get on their blind side (off their shoulder) so you can steal a step or two head start on them whichever direction you choose to go; do a shoulder drop or fake step to send your defender in the wrong direction to steal a yard or two; point to where you want the ball passed to so your teammate knows where to pass it to (this may be to your back foot so you can play forward quickly).𝗩𝗔𝗥𝗜𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦⚽ Have the ‘best’ players marking each other so it is competitive. But also switch it up and have more experienced players against less experienced players so that the less experienced players learn from them. ⚽Have small punishments for the defender if the player they are marking scores a goal or sets up a goal (ie 5 lunges, 10 toe taps, etc).
📚 Enjoying the podcast? You can dive deeper with my two Walking Football books, available on Amazon:
Complete Guide To Coaching Walking Football: https://mybook.to/walkingfootballbook
Coaching Walking Football Volume 1: https://amzn.to/3uLC4J3
#walkingfootball #womenswalkingfootball #walkingsoccer #allabilities #southendfc #essex #fastestgrowingsport #relivingyouryouth #weplayfootball #thewfa #womenswfc #wwf
WALKING FOOTBALL DRILL - "RONDO" | Soccer/Football Coaching | Dribbling
📚 Enjoying the podcast? You can dive deeper with my two Walking Football books, available on Amazon:
Complete Guide To Coaching Walking Football: https://mybook.to/walkingfootballbook
Coaching Walking Football Volume 1: https://amzn.to/3uLC4J3
PLAYERS: 6 to 10 players
Rondos are fantastic! A rondo is simply a small square or circle where the majority of players are trying to keep the ball off one or two players (like the old schoolyard game piggy in the middle).
For example, you could set up a circle with 6 players around the outside and two players inside the circle. The players around the outside are trying to pass the ball to their teammates while the two defenders in the middle are trying to intercept or block the pass.
Note: Players on the outside aren’t allowed inside the circle.
If a defender successfully intercepts or blocks a pass they swap with the player that made the mistake.
Rondos work on passing, defending, communicating, movement, ball control, body shape, thinking ahead…so many things in such a small space and amount of time.
A rondo is my go to drill when I want to get my players motivated and moving. It can be used as the first drill of a training session or as a warm up just before a game.
Variations:
1. If you have 5 players play 4v1 in a square. If you have 6 players play 5v1 in a circle. 7 players and up, play two defenders in the middle.
Make sure that when you have two players in the middle, the player that has been in the longest goes out when the ball is intercepted even if they aren’t the player that won the ball.
This encourages teamwork and shows that you should work just as hard for your teammate as you would for yourself.
2. Defenders in the middle can either rotate out: each time they win the ball; or every 3 times they win the ball swap with new players: or keep the defenders in for a set amount of time (ie 1 minute) and then swap them out (see which defender/s can win the ball the most times).
📚 Enjoying the podcast? You can dive deeper with my two Walking Football books, available on Amazon:
Complete Guide To Coaching Walking Football: https://mybook.to/walkingfootballbook
Coaching Walking Football Volume 1: https://amzn.to/3uLC4J3
#footballtraining #soccertraining #footballcoach #soccercoach #footballcoaching #youthfootball #soccertrainingdrills #soccercoachingdrills #soccerrondo #soccercoaching #soccerdrills #soccerpractice
WALKING FOOTBALL DRILL - "GATES" | Soccer/Football Coaching | Dribbling
📚 Enjoying the podcast? You can dive deeper with my two Walking Football books, available on Amazon:
Complete Guide To Coaching Walking Football: https://mybook.to/walkingfootballbook
Coaching Walking Football Volume 1: https://amzn.to/3uLC4J3
PLAYERS: 4 to 20 players
This game is great for improving players skills and is very versatile.
Players must control the ball while there is a lot of ‘traffic’ around and try not to bump into other players.
Players can focus on a particular skill (ie when you pass through a gate turn using the outside of your foot).
You can get the players to work in pairs and pass the ball through the gates to each other instead of dribbling through.
The options are many so use some initiative and make up whatever rules/variations you need!
Variations:
📚 Enjoying the podcast? You can dive deeper with my two Walking Football books, available on Amazon:
Complete Guide To Coaching Walking Football: https://mybook.to/walkingfootballbook
Coaching Walking Football Volume 1: https://amzn.to/3uLC4J3
#footballtraining #soccertraining #footballcoach #soccercoach #footballcoaching #youthfootball #soccertrainingdrills #soccercoachingdrills #soccerrondo #soccercoaching #soccerdrills #soccerpractice #walkingfootball #walkingfootballdrill #walkingfootballskill